Fifth Third Bank 2004 Annual Report Download - page 7

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flexibility to better serve our customers. We empower
local managers to find the best ways to produce growth.
In the years to come, you can expect to see us continue
to increase our presence in our existing markets and
establish affiliates in new metropolitan markets as an
important part of our continuing growth. On average,
our expectation is to add 70 to 100 banking centers and
to increase our sales force by 15 to 20 percent every
year. Our existing competitive and financial strength
combined with enhanced infrastructure and technology,
make me extremely optimistic about the future.
Last year marked the passing of a good friend: James D.
Kiggen served on our Board for 20 years and his insight
was instrumental in the success of Fifth Third. He will
be missed. I would also like to extend our appreciation
for the guidance and leadership of Richard T. Farmer and
Joseph H. Head, Jr., both of whom retired from our
Board of Directors in 2004 after 22 and 17 years of
service, respectively.
I would also like to thank our customers, employees,
board members and our communities for their continued
support and confidence. The focus in all of our markets
in 2005 will be driving revenue and quality loan and
deposit growth by adding new customers, increasing
market share and striving to meet all the financial
services needs of our customers. Fifth Third continues
to maintain a cost advantage over competitors,
possesses one of the strongest balance sheets in the
industry, has a best-in-class distribution network, and,
with significant growth potential, we look with great
optimism to the challenges that lie ahead in 2005.
Sincerely,
George A. Schaefer, Jr.
President & Chief Executive Officer
January 2005
5
We recently began hosting a series
of employee meetings throughout our markets.
Our credo, You Make the Difference, helps keep
all clearly focused on our mission of exceeding the
expectations of our customers, co-workers and shareholders,
of being our customers’ first choice and of being a great place to work.